Young children struggle to process and talk about emotions because they are still developing their cognitive and verbal skills. A play therapist creates opportunities for communication using various toys and techniques. Common tools include Lego play, blocks, puppets, dolls, drawing, sandplay, and games. Therapists use these opportunities to help children process emotions, observe their behaviors, and work through conflict, while focusing on building trust and self-confidence in your child.
CBT therapists believe that one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are all connected. A CBT therapist helps children understand (1) how their thoughts and emotions affect their behavior and (2) how changing their thoughts can reduce problem behaviors and improve their emotions and reactions. CBT is typically very structured and one of the most effective types of therapy for anxiety. This type of therapy can help children reduce stress, cope, and face many common life challenges.
DBT is similar to CBT, except there is an additional skill-building framework of mindfulness and emotional regulation. In general, DBT helps individuals develop distress tolerance, self-awareness, and acceptance. DBT-C was adapted from DBT and developed specifically for children and preadolescents who have trouble handling strong emotions. DBT-C can help treat many diagnoses, such as anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, ADHD, disruptive behaviors, eating disorders, and self-harming behavior. An extensive parent training component is central to the child version of DBT.
Family therapy helps families improve communication, deal with family conflicts, and promote a healthy home environment. Family therapists can benefit children by improving their communication skills and problem solving skills with family members. Parents can also learn how to listen and support their children without judgment, which can improve child self-esteem. Topics include child behavioral challenges, sibling conflicts, major life transitions, marital issues or changes, grief, trauma and more.
PCIT aims to improve the parent-child relationship through interaction. Play therapy skills help improve prosocial behaviors, such as cooperation and taking turns, while behavior management tools help reduce challenging behaviors, such as aggression, noncompliance, and tantrums. Parents are guided with real-time feedback from the therapist during playtime. PCIT helps the parent create a safe emotional space for children to adjust behavior and seek connection. PCIT can help with anxiety disorders, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and other challenges. PCIT-T targets even younger children and was specifically designed for children ages 12-24 months with an emphasis on attachment and emotional regulation.
